Tumwater highlights regional REAP/Stream Team work, expands school programs and internships in 2025 plan

Tumwater — At the Jan. 28 City Council meeting, Grant Gilmore, a water resource specialist and professional wetland scientist with the City of Tumwater, presented the Regional Environmental Education Partnership (REAP) annual report and a 2025 work plan that expands education, outreach and habitat-restoration activities across the South Sound region.

The presentation, delivered to Mayor Sullivan and council members, outlined REAP’s regional partnership with the cities of Lacey and Olympia and Thurston County, described Stream Team’s 35-year history and said the program will scale up business outreach, school-based career pathways and internship opportunities in 2025.

The report matters because much of REAP’s work fulfills conditions in the region’s stormwater permit and supports local efforts to improve water quality and salmon habitat. Gilmore and staff said the partnership helps provide consistent public messaging across jurisdictional boundaries and leverages local and regional expertise to reach residents and businesses.

Gilmore said the partnership’s work is driven by stormwater regulatory requirements and by community demand for hands-on programs. He described the…